Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
The High Cost of Missteps After a Chicago DUI Arrest
In Chicago, DUI enforcement is a daily priority for law enforcement across the city and surrounding counties. Whether you’re stopped near Wrigleyville, the Loop, or the Kennedy Expressway, being arrested for DUI can alter the course of your life. In Illinois, DUI offenses are classified under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 and range from misdemeanors to felonies. A standard first-time DUI is a Class A misdemeanor, but any aggravating factor—such as bodily harm, a child passenger, or a prior DUI—can instantly raise the charge to a Class 2 or even Class 1 felony.
Once the arrest occurs, the clock starts ticking. The State begins gathering evidence. Your license may already be under statutory suspension. The prosecution is already building a case against you. What you do—or fail to do—within days of your arrest can have a significant impact on whether you walk away with a conviction or get the charges reduced or dismissed. Here’s how to avoid the most damaging mistakes that Illinois drivers make after a DUI arrest.
